Wooden masts spanned the bay like a forest of spires. All across the blockade held true. A hundred and forty four ships, the greatest of the Ilivarin Empire, all mere bricks in a wall. A wall meant to trap one person.

Captain Faruq did not really understand it. He could not comprehend why so many ships were wasted just for a royal mishap. Why not commit forces to the pirate threat? Actually stop what he had signed up for? He had served in the Ilivarin Navy for seven years, had fought forty two battles, and had the scars for five of them. Yet this, at the eve of his promotion, this was just a waste.

Insubordination was unheard of in their ranks, but Captain Faruq was not about to let this go unabated. He counted his merits in his head as he approached the admiral. A staunch man listening to reports as men, many of his fellow captains, convened with him.

The admiral’s voice echoed past him, “Saeed, take your men and secure supplies for the coming nights. With the wind this calm it may take the prince days to reach here.”

“Yes Admiral Almas.” Bowed Saeed.

The admiral turned to another, “Hamza, I want you to-”

“Admiral Almas, can I have a word?” spoke Faruq.

“Faruq, my friend,” laughed Almas, he had always been a well-mannered man, “this is no time for secrets or hidden words, come say what you want! You are a captain now!”

Faruq shifted his eyes uncomfortably, wringing his wrists while he sured his thoughts, “Very well. We are making a mistake.”

The captains around him shuffled at once, instantly the well-mannered man he knew had an expression of stone, “It is no mistake, captain.” Said Almas “By decree of Emperor Dana, we are to secure this bay and capture his son in the process.”

Faruq was not convinced, “But my admiral, we cannot be sure that-”

“The princess herself informed us of her brother’s intentions. We are very sure.”

Faruq looked Almas in the eye, “That is not what I meant. I have hunted the prince for years, he is as crafty as his mother and as wise as his uncle. He will have changed routes by now. An Ilvarin blockade does not go without notice.”

Admiral Almas stared at Faruq for the longest time, no other captain would have dared question him. All too concerned to preserve their rank. It was also insubordination, and naturally the Ilvarin navy had a reputation to uphold. Yet Faruq had a point, as Faruq normally did.

Admiral Almas sighed, “Take three ships and head north to the Hangman’s channel. You are to report to me in a week unless you find the prince before then.”

Faruq expression lit up, but he hid it the instant it appeared. Regaining his composure, he bowed his head, “Thank you, my admiral.”

“But Faruq, if you do not find the prince, I will have no choice but to remove you of your rank.” Warned Almas.

Faruq nodded once more, his face solemn. “I will not fail you, my admiral.” He said at last.